Kamille’s POV

“What’s up, ladies?” I asked.

“We’re good, love,” Amanda replied.

“How are the kids?” Belle chimed in.

“They’re good and having fun, while I’m stuck here,” I replied, a smile tugging at my lips.

“How else would you want it?” Amanda asked.

“Well, you know, something more balanced,” I replied, and we all laughed.

“Don’t be silly, Kam,” Belle said as we calmed down.

“Of course, I couldn’t have wished for a better situation,” I replied, smiling. “And oh, thank you again for Tyris’s hat; she loved it,” I added.

“Oh, it was nothing,” Belle replied modestly, her voice warm.

“Right, how about we hang out? It’s been ages,” Amanda suggested.

“I second that!” Belle squealed. “We need a break!” she added excitedly.

I hesitated, remembering my last outing with Chris, which ended with Royer’s accident.

“I don’t know, guys,” I admitted hesitantly. “Last time I tried to unwind, it didn’t go well. I don’t want anything bad to happen to the kids.”

“Nanny Dona is there for a reason, Kam,” Amanda interjected.

“Come on, Kamille,” Belle urged gently. “You need some time for yourself, to relax and have some fun.”

I sighed, torn between relaxing and my responsibilities. “Fine,” I relented reluctantly. “But I’m only staying an hour. I have movie night with the kids.”

“Perfect!” Amanda exclaimed excitedly.

“Alright, besties, see you later,” I said, glancing at my unfinished article on my PC.

“Alright, love, see you,” they replied and hung up.

I returned to my PC, blocking out distractions. I wrote, edited, and submitted my article.

“Damn it,” I cursed, glancing at the clock. It was almost six p.m.

I pushed back my chair and went to my room to freshen up. After a quick shower, I chose a chic yet casual outfit: high-waisted jeans, a flowy floral blouse, and comfortable heels. I applied light makeup. Tonight, I would unwind with my friends.

With a final glance in the mirror, I grabbed my purse and left. Downstairs, Nanny Dona was setting the table.

The delicious aroma of home-cooked food filled the air. “What’s cooking?” I asked with a smile.

The kids’ eyes lit up. “Wow, Mummy, you look so pretty!” Tyris exclaimed.

I smiled, my heart swelling. “Thank you, sweetheart,” I replied, ruffling her hair. “I can’t join you for dinner, but I promise pizza and ice cream for movie night. How does that sound?”

“Yeah!” The kids squealed with delight. I chuckled.

“I’ll be home by seven-thirty, but they can start the movie; I’ll join later,” I instructed Nanny Dona.

“Alright, Miss Kamille,” she replied.

My phone beeped: “We’re close-by Kam. Belle.”

“Alright, babies, see you,” I said, kissing and hugging them before leaving.

Amanda’s car pulled up as I reached the porch. I smiled and walked toward it.

In the car, Amanda grinned mischievously. “You’re already playing the part well,” she commented.

I chuckled. “Not really,” I admitted. “I’m just looking forward to good food and company.”

Belle nodded enthusiastically. “Sounds like a plan,” she replied. “Let’s make tonight memorable!”

We drove to the club. Before getting out, I noticed Belle engrossed in her phone.

“Can’t stay away from your fiancé, huh?” I quipped.

Belle chuckled. “Actually, it’s a surprise for you,” she revealed excitedly.

The car door opened, and Chris stood there, smiling warmly.

My heart skipped a beat. What was he doing here?

“Chris!” I exclaimed. “What are you doing here?”

He smiled. “I thought I’d join the fun,” he replied casually.

I turned to Amanda and Belle’s guilty faces. “You set me up,” I said.

“Consider it us helping a friend help her friend,” Amanda replied, and we laughed.

“Shall I?” Chris asked, offering his arm.

I nodded, and we walked into the club. We ordered drinks and steaks. Amanda and Belle teased me relentlessly as Chris watched, smiling.

I nervously chuckled, but their banter only intensified. It was almost seven-thirty.

“Alright, ladies and gentlemen, I have to go,” I smiled.

“Come on, Kam, the night’s young,” Amanda replied.

“I bet Chris wouldn’t want you to leave,” Belle said, putting her arm around Chris.

“I’ll go with her decision,” Chris replied playfully.

“I have to get pizza and ice cream for my kids and watch a movie,” I announced.

“Okay, that still sounds fun,” Amanda said. “Let me drop you off.”

Chris interjected, “Let me.”

Belle gave Amanda a knowing look, and Amanda conceded. “Call me when you’re home,” she said with a wink.

What the fuck was I missing out on?

“Okay, thank you for the night,” I said, hugging them goodbye.

Chris drove me to the pizza place. We got the pizza and ice cream, then headed back. I wondered why he didn’t get anything for his kid, but decided not to bring it up.

“Are you alright?” Chris asked.

“Yeah, I’m fine,” I replied, feeling uncomfortable under his gaze.

As we pulled up, I turned to Chris with a grateful smile, “Thank yo…”

His lips met mine in an unexpected kiss. I was surprised. What the hell is going on?

Pull out. That would hurt his feelings. His lips feel nice though.

I couldn’t pull away, so I kissed him back. But there was no spark.

When we broke apart, Chris looked apologetic.

“I’m sorry,” he murmured. “I think I had too much to drink.”

I reassured him gently, concealing my racing heart. “It’s okay,” I replied softly.

We said goodbye, and I slammed the door.

What in the freaking hell just happened?!